There will be two full moons this month–August 1 and August 31. For those of you who aren’t aware, the time of the full moon is the time to release those things that are holding you back and (hopefully) gently allow in those things that will better serve us in our lives. When there are two full moons within one month, as happens occasionally due to the 13 moons in the year and the 12 calendar months, this energy is amplified.

June 2012 Full Moon

There are several ways to release. It is best to do these things either on the day of the full moon or within a day or so before or after when the energies are strongest.

Determine what you want to release. This can be unhealthy attachments to people, places, things, past events, and emotional connections that are draining you.

Honor your resistance. You are attached to these things for a reason. They give you comfort. You might not WANT to give them up, but you know it is best for you. So as to honor your truest self, you decide to release these things to allow yourself to move forward.

Write them down. Make a list. Make it concrete on paper so you can see it in black and white. This is a true radical acceptance of those things that you feel you can’t change and want to give up to the divine for transmutation.

Destroy the paper. I know that sounds rather drastic, but since the paper is a symbolic representation of those things you wish to release, you need to thoroughly destroy the paper. There are several ways to do this. You can tear up the paper. You can shred the paper. You can “drown” the paper in a bowl of water or flush it down the toilet after tearing it up into small pieces. Or you can burn it in a fireproof container. I prefer to burn it and usually do this in my metal singing bowl. This reminds me of the way in which native peoples burned herbs to carry their prayers up to Heaven. I feel that it serves the same purpose.

Repeat the ceremony at the next full moon.

The time of the Full Moon is an emotional time for us all. Performing this exercise may lead to emotional outbursts and crying. It is best to do it either when you are alone or in a circle of close supportive friends who will all be participating. You want to be gentle with yourself while at the same time remaining strong and committed to making positive changes in your life. And so it is.